Control device, control method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

0001This application claims priority to and the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-184940 filed on Sep. 28, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

0002The present invention relates to a control device, a control method, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

Description of the Related Art

0003In an electric vehicle, a braking force is given to the vehicle by a regeneration brake. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2017-73886 proposes a control device capable of causing a driver to set the level (effect degree) of a regeneration brake. This control device displays the current level of the regeneration brake on a display device. In addition, if the regeneration brake cannot be set to the level instructed by the driver, the driver is notified of it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0004The maximum level of the regeneration brake settable by the driver changes depending on the vehicle state (for example, the charge state of a battery), or the like. Since the control device of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2017-73886 only displays the current level of the regeneration brake, it is impossible to grasp the degree to strengthen the regeneration brake by the driver. The same problem arises even in another control device that allows the driver to adjust not only the level of the regeneration brake but also the level of the braking force. An aspect of the present invention provides a technique of allowing a driver to grasp the settable level of a braking force.

0005In consideration of the above-described problem, a control device configured to control a vehicle is provided. The device comprises a traveling control unit configured to set an effect degree of a braking force to be given to the vehicle, and an output control unit capable of displaying, on a display device of the vehicle, an indicator representing an upper limit of a settable level of the effect degree.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0006<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>1</b></figref> is a block diagram for explaining an example of the arrangement of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

0007<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>2</b></figref> is a schematic view for explaining an example of the arrangement of a screen according to the embodiment of the present invention;

0008<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>3</b>A to <b>3</b>D</figref> are views for explaining examples of display of indicators according to the embodiment of the present invention;

0009<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>4</b></figref> is a state transition diagram for explaining the operation of a control device according to the embodiment of the present invention;

0010<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>5</b></figref> is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the control device according to the embodiment of the present invention; and

0011<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>6</b></figref> is a schematic view for explaining the position of a paddle according to the embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

0012Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals denote similar elements throughout various embodiments, and a repetitive description will be omitted. In addition, the embodiments can appropriately be changed or combined.

0013An example of the arrangement of a vehicle <b>100</b> according to some embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>1</b></figref>. The vehicle <b>100</b> is a vehicle (so-called hybrid vehicle) using both a fossil fuel and electricity as a driving power source. The vehicle <b>100</b> may be a vehicle (so-called engine vehicle or diesel vehicle) using only a fossil fuel as the driving power source, or may be a vehicle (so-called electric vehicle) using only electricity as the driving power source or a vehicle (so-called fuel cell vehicle) using hydrogen as the driving power source.

0014The vehicle <b>100</b> includes constituent elements shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>1</b></figref>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>1</b></figref> mainly shows constituent elements used for the description of the embodiment, and other constituent elements (for example, a vehicle body, a suspension, and the like) of the vehicle <b>100</b> are not illustrated. A control device <b>110</b> controls the vehicle <b>100</b>. The control device <b>110</b> may be formed as a general-purpose computer including a processing unit <b>111</b> and a storage unit <b>112</b>. The processing unit <b>111</b> performs processing for controlling the vehicle <b>100</b>. The processing unit <b>111</b> is formed by, for example, a processor. The storage unit <b>112</b> stores programs and data used in the processing by the processing unit <b>111</b>. The storage unit <b>112</b> is formed by, for example, a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory).

0015The processing unit <b>111</b> includes, for example, a traveling control unit <b>113</b> and an output control unit <b>114</b>. The traveling control unit <b>113</b> performs control concerning driving and braking of the vehicle <b>100</b>. The output control unit <b>114</b> performs control concerning output of information to a driver. When the processing unit <b>111</b> executes a program stored in the storage unit <b>112</b>, operations by the traveling control unit <b>113</b> and the output control unit <b>114</b> are performed. The control device <b>110</b> may be formed not by a general-purpose computer but by a dedicated integrated circuit (for example, ASIC). In this case, the traveling control unit <b>113</b> and the output control unit <b>114</b> may be formed by separate integrated circuits.

0016The control device <b>110</b> can also be called an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The control device <b>110</b> may be formed by one ECU or may be formed by a plurality of ECUs. If the control device <b>110</b> is formed by a plurality of ECUs, these ECUs are arranged on various places in the vehicle and communicate with each other via an in-vehicle network such as a CAN (Controller Area Network).

0017An engine mechanism <b>120</b> gives a driving force to the vehicle <b>100</b> using a fossil fuel (for example, gasoline) as an energy source. The engine mechanism <b>120</b> includes an engine <b>121</b> and a transmission <b>122</b>. The engine <b>121</b> is the driving source of the vehicle <b>100</b> and is controlled by the traveling control unit <b>113</b>. The transmission <b>122</b> is, for example, a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Alternatively, another transmission may be used. The traveling control unit <b>113</b> controls the engine mechanism <b>120</b>, thereby making an engine brake actuate.

0018A motor mechanism <b>130</b> gives a driving force to the vehicle <b>100</b> using electricity as an energy source. The motor mechanism <b>130</b> includes a motor <b>131</b>, an inverter <b>132</b>, and a battery <b>133</b>. The inverter <b>132</b> controls the output of the motor <b>131</b>. The battery <b>133</b> accumulates electric energy and supplies the electric energy to the motor <b>131</b> via the inverter <b>132</b>. The traveling control unit <b>113</b> controls the motor mechanism <b>130</b>, thereby making a regeneration brake actuate.

0019The brake mechanism <b>140</b> gives a braking force to the vehicle <b>100</b>. The brake mechanism <b>140</b> includes an electric servo brake <b>141</b> and an electric parking brake <b>142</b>. The electric servo brake <b>141</b> is a brake that makes the regeneration brake by the motor cooperate with a friction brake by a liquid pressure, and gives a braking force according to the operation amount of a brake pedal <b>152</b> to the vehicle <b>100</b>. The electric parking brake <b>142</b> gives a stop hold braking force independent of the operation amount of the brake pedal <b>152</b> to the rear wheels of the vehicle <b>100</b>.

0020An accelerator pedal <b>150</b> is a pedal used to receive control of the driving force from the driver. An accelerator pedal sensor <b>151</b> detects the depression amount (to be also referred to as an AP operation amount hereinafter) of the accelerator pedal <b>150</b>, and supplies it to the control device <b>110</b>. The traveling control unit <b>113</b> controls the engine mechanism <b>120</b> and the motor mechanism <b>130</b> to give a driving force according to the AP operation amount to the vehicle <b>100</b>.

0021The brake pedal <b>152</b> is a pedal used to receive control of the braking force from the driver. A brake pedal sensor <b>153</b> detects the depression amount (to be also referred to as a BP operation amount hereinafter) of the brake pedal <b>152</b>, and supplies it to the control device <b>110</b>. The traveling control unit <b>113</b> controls the electric servo brake <b>141</b> to give a braking force according to the BP operation amount to the vehicle <b>100</b>.

0022A vehicle speed sensor <b>154</b> detects the vehicle speed of the vehicle <b>100</b>, and supplies it to the control device <b>110</b>. A wheel speed sensor <b>156</b> detects the rotation speed of a wheel <b>155</b>, and supplies it to the control device <b>110</b>. A shift position sensor <b>159</b> detects the position of a shift lever <b>157</b>, and supplies it to the control device <b>110</b>. In addition, the shift position sensor <b>159</b> detects an input using a paddle <b>158</b>, and supplies it to the control device <b>110</b>. The input using the paddle <b>158</b> includes a shift down instruction and a shift up instruction. For example, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>6</b></figref>, the paddle <b>158</b> is provided as a right paddle <b>158</b>R and a left paddle <b>158</b>L on the periphery of a steering STR. The right paddle <b>158</b>R is used for a shift up instruction. The left paddle <b>158</b>L is used for a shift down instruction. A seatbelt state sensor <b>161</b> detects the attachment state of a seatbelt <b>160</b>, and supplies it to the control device <b>110</b>.

0023The traveling control unit <b>113</b> may be able to execute a one-pedal function. The one-pedal function is a function of controlling both the driving force and the braking force of the vehicle <b>100</b> in accordance with the AP operation amount. By the one-pedal function, the traveling control unit <b>113</b> may hold the stop state of the vehicle <b>100</b> after the stop without depending on the BP operation amount. For example, the traveling control unit <b>113</b> gives a braking force according to the AP operation amount to the vehicle <b>100</b> when the AP operation amount falls within the range of 0% to 30%, and gives a driving force according to the AP operation amount to the vehicle <b>100</b> when the AP operation amount falls within the range of 30% to 100%. The AP operation amount as the boundary between the braking force and the driving force can be set within the range of, for example, 20% to 40%. The traveling control unit <b>113</b> may change the value of the boundary in accordance with the vehicle speed.

0024The effect degree of the braking force according to the AP operation amount can be set from a plurality of levels via the shift lever <b>157</b> or the paddle <b>158</b>. For example, the effect degree of the braking force can be set to each level from level 0 (the braking force is zero) to the upper limit level. The settable upper limit level can change depending on the remaining amount of the battery <b>133</b>, the temperature of the battery <b>133</b>, the temperature of the brake pad, the rotation speed of the engine <b>121</b>, the rotation sped of the transmission <b>122</b>, and the like. The maximum value of the upper limit level is, for example, level 6. The traveling control unit <b>113</b> may change the setting of the effect degree of the braking force not only in accordance with an instruction from the driver but also automatically without an instruction from the driver.

0025A one-pedal switch <b>162</b> is a switch used by the driver to perform switching between the enable state and the disable state of the one-pedal function. This switch may be formed by a physical button, or may be formed by a virtual button displayed on a touch panel. The one-pedal switch <b>162</b> is arranged on, for example, an instrument panel.

0026In a state in which the one-pedal function is disabled, the traveling control unit <b>113</b> may execute a paddle shift function. The paddle shift function is a function of changing, in accordance with an instruction from the driver via the shift lever <b>157</b> or the paddle <b>158</b>, the effect degree of the braking force of the vehicle <b>100</b> in a case in which the AP operation amount is equal to or less than a traveling resistance. The effect degree of the braking force is changed by, for example, switching the change gear ratio of the transmission <b>122</b>, adjusting the regeneration amount of the motor mechanism <b>130</b>, adjusting the engine braking amount, or adjusting a pressure on the brake pad.

0027The effect degree of the braking force during the enable state of the paddle shift function can be set from a plurality of levels via the paddle <b>158</b>. For example, the effect degree of the braking force can be set to each level from level 0 (the braking force is zero) to the upper limit level. The settable upper limit level can change depending on the charge state of the battery <b>133</b>, and the like. The maximum value of the upper limit level is, for example, level 4. The traveling control unit <b>113</b> may change the setting of the effect degree of the braking force not only in accordance with an instruction from the driver but also automatically without an instruction from the driver.

0028A paddle shift switch <b>163</b> is a switch used by the driver to perform switching between the enable state and the disable state of the paddle shift function. This switch may be formed by a physical button, or may be formed by a virtual button displayed on a touch panel. The paddle shift switch <b>163</b> is arranged on, for example, the instrument panel.

0029The traveling control unit <b>113</b> may be able to execute an automatic brake hold function. The automatic brake hold function is a function of, in a case in which the vehicle <b>100</b> is stopped by depressing the brake pedal <b>152</b>, holding the stop state of the vehicle <b>100</b> without depending on the BP operation amount after that (even if the foot is separated from the brake pedal <b>152</b>). In the enable state of the automatic brake hold function, even if the driver separates the foot from the brake pedal <b>152</b> during the stop of the vehicle <b>100</b>, the stop state of the vehicle <b>100</b> is held. The stop state is canceled when the driver depresses the accelerator pedal <b>150</b> to change the AP operation amount to a positive value.

0030An automatic brake hold switch <b>164</b> is a switch used by the driver to perform switching between the enable state and the disable state of the automatic brake hold function. This switch may be formed by a physical button, or may be formed by a virtual button displayed on a touch panel. The automatic brake hold switch <b>164</b> is arranged on, for example, the instrument panel.

0031A parking switch <b>165</b> is a switch used by the driver to instruct the start and end of actuation of the electric parking brake <b>142</b>. This switch may be formed by a physical button, or may be formed by a virtual button displayed on a touch panel. The parking switch <b>165</b> is arranged on, for example, the instrument panel.

0032The traveling control unit <b>113</b> exclusively executes the automatic brake hold function and the one-pedal function. That is, both the automatic brake hold function and the one-pedal function are never enabled simultaneously. In addition, the traveling control unit <b>113</b> exclusively executes the paddle shift function and the one-pedal function. That is, both the paddle shift function and the one-pedal function are never enabled simultaneously.

0033A display device <b>166</b> is a device configured to present visual information to the driver. The display device <b>166</b> is formed by, for example, a liquid crystal display, an LED, a meter, or the like. An acoustic device <b>167</b> is a device configured to present auditory information to the driver. The acoustic device <b>167</b> is formed by, for example, a speaker. The display device <b>166</b> and the acoustic device <b>167</b> are arranged on, for example, the instrument panel. In this specification, notifications to the driver include a notification using only visual information, a notification using only auditory information, and a notification using both visual information and auditory information. For example, when notifying the driver of a message, the output control unit <b>114</b> may display the message as visual information on the display device <b>166</b>, may reproduce the message as auditory information by the acoustic device <b>167</b>, or may make both notifications.

0034An example of a screen <b>200</b> displayed on the display device <b>166</b> will be described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>2</b></figref>. The screen <b>200</b> includes an indicator display region <b>201</b> and a message display region <b>202</b>. Various indicators concerning the state of the vehicle are displayed in the indicator display region <b>201</b>. A message to the driver is displayed in the message display region <b>202</b>. In the example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>2</b></figref>, the indicator display regions <b>201</b> are arranged on both the left and right sides along the edge of the screen <b>200</b>.

0035Examples of indicators that the output control unit <b>114</b> can display on the display device <b>166</b> will be described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>3</b>A to <b>3</b>D</figref>. Each of regions <b>301</b> and <b>302</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>3</b>A to <b>3</b>D</figref> is a region used to display one indicator, and occupies part of the indicator display region <b>201</b>. The region <b>301</b> and the region <b>302</b> may be adjacent to each other. Here, “two regions are adjacent” means that a region used to display another indicator does not exist between the two regions.

0036A shift position indicator <b>303</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>3</b>A</figref> is an indicator representing the input position of the shift lever <b>157</b>. The shift position indicator <b>303</b> is arranged in the region <b>301</b>. For example, if the position of the shift lever <b>157</b> is “drive”, a mark imitating the shape of “D” is displayed as the shift position indicator <b>303</b>. If the position of the shift lever <b>157</b> is “neutral”, “parking”, or the like, a mark imitating the shape of “N”, “P”, or the like is displayed.

0037A braking force indicator <b>304</b> is an indicator representing the upper limit of the settable level of the effect degree of the braking force by the traveling control unit <b>113</b> and also representing the current set level of the effect degree of the braking force by the traveling control unit <b>113</b>. When the upper limit of the settable level and the current set level are shown by the one braking force indicator <b>304</b> in this way, simple display is possible. The braking force indicator <b>304</b> is arranged in the region <b>302</b>. The traveling control unit <b>113</b> may set the effect degree of the braking force to be given to the vehicle <b>100</b> in accordance with an instruction from the driver, or may set the effect degree automatically in accordance with the state of the vehicle <b>100</b>. The traveling control unit <b>113</b> can receive a change instruction of the current set level of the effect degree from the driver via the paddle <b>158</b>. The output control unit <b>114</b> displays the braking force indicator in each of a case in which the one-pedal function is enabled and a case in which the paddle shift function is enabled.

0038The braking force indicator <b>304</b> is formed by two types of marks <b>305</b> and <b>306</b>. The mark <b>305</b> is larger than the mark <b>306</b>. The number of marks <b>305</b> included in the braking force indicator <b>304</b> represents the current set level of the effect degree. The sum of the number of marks <b>305</b> included in the braking force indicator <b>304</b> and the number of marks <b>306</b> included in the braking force indicator <b>304</b> represents the upper limit of the settable level of the effect degree. In the example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>3</b>A</figref>, since there are four marks <b>305</b>, the current set level is level 4. In addition, since there are two marks <b>306</b>, the upper limit of the settable level is level 6.

0039At least one of the mark <b>305</b> and/or the mark <b>306</b> may be 0 in number. For example, in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>3</b>B</figref>, the number of marks <b>305</b> is 3, and the number of marks <b>306</b> is 0. This shows that the upper limit of the settable level matches the current set level that is level 3. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>3</b>C</figref>, the number of marks <b>305</b> is 0, and the number of marks <b>306</b> is 3. This shows that the upper limit of the settable level is level 3, and the current set level is level 0. If the current set level lowers, the display of the mark <b>305</b> ends from the lowermost side. The mark <b>305</b> that is not displayed anymore is replaced with the mark <b>306</b>. If the upper limit of the settable level lowers, the display of the mark <b>306</b> ends from the lowermost side.

0040At least one of the mark <b>305</b> and/or the mark <b>306</b> may have a shape representing a direction in which the display of the mark is added. In the examples shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>3</b>A to <b>3</b>C</figref>, both the mark <b>305</b> and the mark <b>306</b> have a shape representing a direction in which the display of the marks is added. More specifically, the mark <b>305</b> has a shape representing a downward direction. This shows that when the current set level increases, the display of the mark <b>305</b> is added in the downward direction represented by the mark <b>305</b> (that is, the display of the mark <b>305</b> is added at the position of the mark <b>306</b> on the upper side in the two marks <b>306</b>). This also applies to the mark <b>306</b>. At least one of the mark <b>305</b> and/or the mark <b>306</b> may have a shape that does not represent a direction, like marks <b>307</b> and <b>308</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>3</b>D</figref>.

0041An example of control of the one-pedal function and the paddle shift function by the control device <b>110</b> will be described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>4</b></figref>. In the states shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>4</b></figref>, “OP” represents the state of the one-pedal function. “PS” represents the state of the paddle shift function. “ON” represents that the target function is enabled. “OFF” represents that the target function is disabled.

0042Each state will be described first. In a state <b>401</b>, the one-pedal function is disabled, and the paddle shift function is disabled. In a state <b>402</b>, the one-pedal function is enabled, and the paddle shift function is disabled. In a state <b>403</b>, the one-pedal function is disabled, and the paddle shift function is enabled.

0043The state transition will be described next. In the state <b>401</b>, upon receiving an instruction to enable the one-pedal function from the driver, the traveling control unit <b>113</b> transitions to the state <b>402</b>. In the state <b>401</b>, upon receiving an instruction to enable the paddle shift function from the driver, the traveling control unit <b>113</b> transitions to the state <b>403</b>.

0044In the state <b>402</b>, upon receiving an instruction to disable the one-pedal function from the driver, the traveling control unit <b>113</b> transitions to the state <b>401</b>. The traveling control unit <b>113</b> may impart a predetermined condition to the transition. For example, the traveling control unit <b>113</b> may perform this transition upon receiving an instruction to disable the one-pedal function in a state in which the BP operation amount is positive, and may remain in the state <b>402</b> otherwise.

0045In the state <b>402</b>, upon receiving an instruction to enable the paddle shift function from the driver, the traveling control unit <b>113</b> remains in the state <b>402</b>. In this case, the output control unit <b>114</b> notifies the driver that it is impossible to enable the paddle shift function. This notification is made by, for example, displaying a message in the message display region <b>202</b>. If transition from a state in which the one-pedal function is enabled to a state in which the paddle shift function is enabled can occur, the one-pedal function is disabled, and therefore, the braking force given to the vehicle <b>100</b> lowers. For this reason, the traveling control unit <b>113</b> does not perform such transition. Additionally, if transition is simply inhibited, the driver cannot grasp the situation. Hence, the output control unit <b>114</b> notifies a message representing this.

0046In the state <b>403</b>, upon receiving an instruction to enable the one-pedal function from the driver, the traveling control unit <b>113</b> transitions to the state <b>402</b>. In the state <b>403</b>, upon receiving an instruction to disable the paddle shift function from the driver, the traveling control unit <b>113</b> transitions to the state <b>401</b>.

0047An example of processing by the control device <b>110</b> will be described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>5</b></figref>. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>5</b></figref>, “braking force level” represents the level of the effect degree of the braking force by the traveling control unit <b>113</b>. A solid line represents the upper limit of the settable level of the braking force, and a broken line represents the current set level. Only the solid line is shown when the two lines overlap. “Driver input” represents a change instruction of the braking force level from the driver. “D” represents shift down (that is, a change instruction to raise the braking force level), and “U” represents shift up (that is, a change instruction to lower the braking force level). “Braking force indicator” represents the display contents of the braking force indicator <b>304</b> in a fraction form. The numerator represents the display contents of the current set level, and the denominator represents the upper limit of the settable level.

0048At the start point in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>5</b></figref>, the traveling control unit <b>113</b> sets the current set level to level 3, and sets the upper limit of the settable level to level 5. Accordingly, the output control unit <b>114</b> displays the braking force indicator <b>304</b> in which the current set level is level 3, and the upper limit of the settable level is level 5.

0049At time t<b>1</b>, the driver instructs shift down. Since the current set level is lower than the upper limit of the settable level, the traveling control unit <b>113</b> accordingly changes the current set level to level 4 at time t<b>2</b>. Furthermore, the output control unit <b>114</b> displays the braking force indicator <b>304</b> in which the current set level is level 4, and the upper limit of the settable level is level 5. Simultaneously, the output control unit <b>114</b> may notify the driver that the current set level is changed. This notification is made by, for example, displaying a message in the message display region <b>202</b>.

0050At time t<b>3</b>, the traveling control unit <b>113</b> changes the upper limit of the settable level to level 4 based on a change in the state of the vehicle <b>100</b>. Accordingly, the output control unit <b>114</b> displays the braking force indicator <b>304</b> in which the current set level is level 4, and the upper limit of the settable level is level 4. Furthermore, the output control unit <b>114</b> may notify the driver that the upper limit of the settable level is changed. This notification is made by, for example, displaying a message in the message display region <b>202</b> or outputting auditory information by the acoustic device <b>167</b>.

0051At time t<b>4</b>, the driver instructs shift down. Since the current set level is equal to the upper limit of the settable level, the traveling control unit <b>113</b> maintains the current set level at level 4. The output control unit <b>114</b> temporarily (for example, five sec) displays the braking force indicator <b>304</b> in which the current set level is level 5, and the upper limit of the settable level is level 5, and then displays the braking force indicator <b>304</b> in which the current set level is level 4, and the upper limit of the settable level is level 4. When the braking force indicator <b>304</b> according to the driver input is temporarily displayed in this way, the driver can grasp that the shift down instruction is accepted but cannot be set. Furthermore, if the current set level cannot be changed according to the change instruction from the driver, the output control unit <b>114</b> may blink the braking force indicator <b>304</b> (an indicator representing <b>5</b>/<b>5</b>). In addition, the output control unit <b>114</b> may notify the driver that the current set level cannot be changed according to the change instruction from the driver. This notification is made by, for example, displaying a message in the message display region <b>202</b> and/or outputting auditory information by the acoustic device <b>167</b>.

0052At time t<b>5</b>, the traveling control unit <b>113</b> changes the upper limit of the settable level to level 3 based on a change in the state of the vehicle <b>100</b>, and also sets the current set level to level 3. Accordingly, the output control unit <b>114</b> displays the braking force indicator <b>304</b> in which the current set level is level 3, and the upper limit of the settable level is level 3. If the current set level is changed without depending on a change instruction from the driver, the output control unit <b>114</b> may blink the braking force indicator <b>304</b> (an indicator representing <b>3</b>/<b>3</b>). Furthermore, the output control unit <b>114</b> may notify the driver that the current set level is changed without depending on a change instruction from the driver. This notification is made by, for example, displaying a message in the message display region <b>202</b> and/or outputting auditory information by the acoustic device <b>167</b>.

0053At time t<b>6</b>, the traveling control unit <b>113</b> changes the upper limit of the settable level to level 4 based on a change in the state of the vehicle <b>100</b>. Since the upper limit (level 4) after the change is equal to the upper limit (level 4 from time t<b>3</b> to time t<b>5</b>) immediately before the change, the output control unit <b>114</b> maintains the display contents of the upper limit in the braking force indicator <b>304</b> at level 3. When the display contents are maintained in this way, it is possible to suppress an excessive change of the display contents.

0054At time t<b>7</b>, the traveling control unit <b>113</b> changes the upper limit of the settable level to level 5 based on a change in the state of the vehicle <b>100</b>. Since the upper limit (level 5) after the change is different from the upper limit (level 3 from time t<b>5</b> to time t<b>6</b>) immediately before the change, the output control unit <b>114</b> displays the braking force indicator <b>304</b> in which the current set level is level 3, and the upper limit of the settable level is level 5.

0055At time t<b>8</b>, the driver instructs shift up. Accordingly, the traveling control unit <b>113</b> changes the current set level to level 2 at time t<b>9</b>. Furthermore, the output control unit <b>114</b> displays the braking force indicator <b>304</b> in which the current set level is level 2, and the upper limit of the settable level is level 5.

0056In the above-described operation, if the current set level is changed, the output control unit <b>114</b> may notify the driver of the change. This notification is made by, for example, displaying a message in the message display region <b>202</b>. The output control unit <b>114</b> may perform only message display when the current set level becomes high, and may reproduce a warning sound in addition to the message display when the current set level becomes low. In general, when the current set level becomes low, the output control unit <b>114</b> may make a strong notification as compared to a case in which the current set level becomes high. This calls the driver's attention because it is difficult for the vehicle <b>100</b> to decelerate as the intensity of the braking force lowers.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENT

0057[Arrangement 1]

0058There is provided a control device (<b>110</b>) configured to control a vehicle (<b>100</b>), the device comprising:

0059a traveling control unit (<b>113</b>) configured to set an effect degree of a braking force to be given to the vehicle; and

0060an output control unit (<b>114</b>) capable of displaying, on a display device (<b>166</b>) of the vehicle, an indicator (<b>304</b>) representing an upper limit of a settable level of the effect degree.

0061According to this arrangement, the driver can grasp the settable level of the braking force, and the safety in braking can be improved.

0062[Arrangement 2]

0063There is provided the control device according to arrangement 1, wherein the indicator further represents a current set level of the effect degree of the braking force by the traveling control unit.

0064According to this arrangement, it is possible to simply display the effect degree of the braking force.

0065[Arrangement 3]

0066There is provided the control device according to arrangement 2, wherein the number of first marks (<b>305</b>) included in the indicator represents the current set level, and

0067a sum of the number of first marks and the number of second marks (<b>306</b>) included in the indicator represents the upper limit.

0068According to this arrangement, it is possible to intuitively grasp the effect degree of the braking force by the number. In addition, since the space of the display device can be ensured, the driver can easily grasp other display contents.

0069[Arrangement 4]

0070There is provided the control device according to arrangement 3, wherein at least one of the first mark and/or the second mark has a shape representing a direction in which display of the mark is added.

0071According to this arrangement, it is possible to easily grasp the increase/decrease direction of the effect degree of the braking force.

0072[Arrangement 5]

0073There is provided the control device according to any one of arrangements 2 to 4, wherein the vehicle further comprises a paddle (<b>158</b>) configured to receive a change instruction of the current set level from a driver.

0074According to this arrangement, it is possible to easily change the effect degree of the braking force via the paddle.

0075[Arrangement 6]

0076There is provided the control device according to any one of arrangements 2 to 5, wherein if the current set level is changed without depending on a change instruction from a driver, the output control unit blinks the indicator.

0077According to this arrangement, it is possible to readily grasp the change of the current set level and improve the safety in braking.

0078[Arrangement 7]

0079There is provided the control device according to any one of arrangements 2 to 6, wherein if the current set level cannot be changed according to a change instruction from a driver, the output control unit blinks the indicator.

0080According to this arrangement, it is possible to readily grasp that the current set level cannot be changed and improve the safety in braking.

0081[Arrangement 8]

0082There is provided the control device according to any one of arrangements 2 to 5, wherein if the current set level is changed, the output control unit notifies a driver of the change.

0083According to this arrangement, it is possible to readily grasp the change of the current set level and improve the safety in braking.

0084[Arrangement 9]

0085There is provided the control device according to any one of arrangements 1 to 8, wherein the output control unit displays the indicator in a region (<b>302</b>) adjacent to a region (<b>301</b>) in which an indicator (<b>303</b>) representing an input position of a shift lever (<b>157</b>) is arranged.

0086According to this arrangement, it is possible to intuitively grasp that the effect degree of the braking force can be changed using the paddle based on the similarity between a character “D” and the shape of the paddle.

0087[Arrangement 10]

0088There is provided the control device according to any one of arrangements 1 to 9, wherein the output control unit displays the indicator in each of a case in which a one-pedal function of controlling both a driving force and the braking force of the vehicle in accordance with an operation amount of an accelerator pedal (<b>150</b>) is enabled, and a case in which a paddle shift function of, when the one-pedal function is disabled, changing the effect degree of the braking force without an accelerator operation in accordance with an instruction from a driver via one of a shift lever (<b>157</b>) and a paddle (<b>158</b>) is enabled.

0089According to this arrangement, it is possible to grasp the effect degree of the braking force using the same indicator in both the one-pedal function and the paddle shift function.

0090[Arrangement 11]

0091There is provided the control device according to any one of arrangements 1 to 10, wherein in a case in which the upper limit of the settable level is changed, if the upper limit after the change is equal to the upper limit immediately before the change, the output control unit maintains the display of the upper limit before the change.

0092According to this arrangement, it is possible to suppress an excessive change of display contents.

0093[Arrangement 12]

0094There is provided a method of controlling a vehicle (<b>100</b>), the method comprising:

0095setting an effect degree of a braking force to be given to the vehicle; and

0096displaying, on a display device (<b>166</b>) of the vehicle, an indicator (<b>304</b>) representing an upper limit of a settable level of the effect degree.

0097According to this arrangement, the driver can grasp the settable level of the braking force.

0098[Arrangement 13]

0099There is provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program configured to cause a computer to function as each unit of a control device of any one of arrangements 1 to 11.

0100According to this arrangement, the present invention can be provided in a form of a storage medium.